§ Viscount Davidsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they are going to publish the discussion document on Britain's CO2 programme promised in This Common Inheritance: The Second Year Report (CM2068).
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Strathclyde)The Government are today publishing a discussion document:Climate Change —Our National Programme for CO2 Emissions. Copies have been placed in the Library.
This is the first step in implementing in the UK the Climate Change Convention agreed at UNCED in June this year. The convention has been signed by over 150 nations. As part of the process of ensuring that the convention is translated into effective action, we in Britain must now begin drawing up our own programmes of measures to limit emissions of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide is the first priority.
We do not believe that it would be right for the Government alone to determine the content of our programme. The programme needs contributions from all sectors of the economy. The discussion document describes:
- the main principles of the Climate Change Convention, the sources of CO2 emissions in the UK and the prospects for emissions in the year 2000;
- the opportunities for individuals, business and public sector bodies to reduce CO2 emissions;
- options for Government measures to supplement and support voluntary action.
Through the discussion document we are inviting business to commit itself to taking action as part of our national programme, and we are seeking views on the scope for individuals to take further action and on the options for government measures. We look forward to a full debate on these issues over the next three months.